Ramiz Raja Labels Namibia Captain A "Poor Copy" Of Usman Tariq In Controversial Remark

Ramiz Raja comments on Gerhard Erasmus and Usman Tariq [Source: X]

The T20 World Cup 2026 is in full swing and Pakistan bowler Usman Tariq has gained significant fame and attention because of his peculiar bowling action, which is marked by a pause-and-deliver style. However, alongside Usman Tariq, Namibia's skipper Gerhard Erasmus has also been in the limelight.

Former Pakistan cricketer and current commentator Ramiz Raja commented on this particular action of Gerhard Erasmus, calling him a cheap copy of Usman Tariq, as Pakistan and Namibia faced each other in the 35th match of the T20 World Cup 2026.

What is Usman Tariq’s Bowling Action Like?

Usman Tariq, a 28-year-old Pakistani off-spinner, has drawn global attention for one of the most unconventional bowling actions in modern cricket. His style features a near “statue-like” pause at the crease, sometimes lasting up to two seconds, designed to disturb a batter’s rhythm and trigger movement.

Tariq then releases the ball with a low, slinging side-arm motion often compared to a baseball throw. Tariq says his arm has a natural permanent bend due to being double-jointed, which prevents it from fully straightening.

Despite repeated allegations of chucking, including mimicry from Australia’s Cameron Green, his action has been cleared multiple times. He was reported in consecutive Pakistan Super League seasons in March 2024 and April 2025 but passed biomechanical testing at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore, staying within the ICC’s 15-degree elbow extension limit.

Why Is Gerhard Erasmus Being Compared To Usman Tariq?

Gerhard Erasmus drew comparisons with Usman Tariq during the ongoing 2026 T20 World Cup and also after his career-best 4 for 20 against India on February 12 exposed the batters’ discomfort against unorthodox off-spin.

Both bowl right-arm off-spin with unusual mechanics with a slight difference. Erasmus mixes side-arm variations and releases from deep behind the crease, while Tariq employs a diagonal run-up, dramatic pause, and sling-arm action aided by a natural arm bend.

Ramiz Raja Calls Erasmus a Cheap Copy Of Usman Tariq

Calling out Gerhard Erasmus moves, who have been bowling in international cricket since 2019, Ramiz Raja have took a mega jibe while alleging him copying Usman tariq’s move.

"Gerhard Erasmus Usman Tariq ki nakal krne ki koshish kr rhe hai. Pata nhi unnse kisne kaha h aap Tariq ki nakal karen. Achha bhala bowling kr rhe the, khamkha panga le liya. Usman Tariq ek hi h. Aapko bahot practice ki zrurat hai," Raza said.

(Gerhard Erasmus is trying to copy Usman Tariq. I don’t know who told him to poorly copy Tariq. He was bowling well, but he got into trouble for no reason. There is only one Usman Tariq. You need a lot of practice.)

Gerhard Erasmus vs Usman Tariq: Performance in T20 World Cup 2026 So Far

Usman Tariq, representing Pakistan, played four matches and picked up six wickets at an impressive economy rate of 6.38 and a strike rate of 12.00. His standout spell came against the USA, where he returned figures of 3-27 on February 10.

He also claimed 1-24 against India on February 15, maintaining tight control and building slight pressure through his economical bowling.

Erasmus, leading Namibia, featured in seven matches and took seven wickets. He recorded a higher economy rate of 7.55 but boasted a better strike rate of 9.00, indicating quicker breakthroughs.

His best performance came against India on February 12, where he registered a superb 4-20. He also contributed with 2-27 against the USA and 1-25 versus Pakistan in the ongoing clash.